THANKS to the 2010 Colossal Colon^® NATIONAL SPONSOR!!!  Click here to register for Get Your Guts in Gear - The Ride for Crohn's and Colitis.  The 3-day, 210-mile cycling events are held to raise awareness, to empower those affected by Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, and to find a cure.

Check out pictures page for more pictures

On the "Today" show in November of 2001, Katie Couric told Molly that if she came up with something crazy for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, the "Today" show would cover it. The wheels started turning, and one day in the shower Molly came up with the idea to build the Colossal Colon®! 

“Coco,” as the Colossal Colon® is affectionately known, is a 40-foot long, 4-foot tall oversized model of the human colon that is designed to educate about colorectal cancer and other diseases of the colon.  Visitors who crawl through the Colossal Colon will see Crohn's disease, diverticulosis, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, cancerous and non-cancerous polyps, and various stages of colon cancer. 

The Colon Club’s goal is to educate younger people about colorectal cancer, and the Colossal Colon® is the perfect educational tool to do just that.  Coco gets everyone talking about colorectal cancer, which is one of the first steps in eliminating it.  Adults and children alike can crawl through or look through windows to check out the various features inside Coco. 

Since 2002, Coco has visited over 100 cities in over 40 states and Canada, and has been hosted at hospitals, malls, convention centers, state fairs, museums, a football tournament, an amusement park, and other unique locations.  Click here to read more about the history of the Colossal Colon®. 

If you are interested in renting the Colossal Colon®, please visit the Rental Information page. 

The Colossal Colon® was built by Adirondack Scenic, Inc., a theme design company located in Argyle, NY.  Actual colonoscopy footage was used to ensure that the features inside the Colossal Colon® are as realistic as possible.  Special thanks to Maggie Tierney with the Glens Falls Hospital for her help!!!

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GOT GUTS?  GEAR UP!

Are you up for an unforgettable adventure for a great cause? Join Get Your Guts in Gear for the 2010 Rides for Crohn's and Colitis!  You can ride or join the support crew during these 210-mile, three-day cycling adventures.

Join in this amazing experience and seize the opportunity to connect with patients, family and friends who are affected by Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and individuals with ostomies. This is your opportunity to be a part of an amazing and growing community that is dedicated in creating a supportive and enjoyable environment in each one of this year’s Rides.

Since its creation in 2003, Get Your Guts in Gear, Inc. has raised more than $1.25 million dollars in proceeds to support work for empowerment, awareness, and research.


Here is what people are saying about GYGIG’s Rides:

“GYGIG's events are vastly more than bike rides.  Each Ride creates an environment where those from different walks of life who face similar medical adventures can develop profoundly deep friendships.  Yet, the atmosphere is so inclusive that all are welcome to share in the special bonds that develop.”

- Phil L., rider

It's been a long time since I truly felt like I was making a difference. Watching my daughter battle Crohn's is so frustrating as I feel helpless in doing something about it. The Ride is the perfect event to empower all of us.  It really is more than a ride - I can't wait to do it again - hopefully next time with my daughter riding with me!
- Margaret M., rider

Whether you are an experienced cyclist looking for a great ride or a novice rider who is affected by one of these diseases, you’ll enjoy our scenic, fully supported rides.

 

Three Rides, Three opportunities!

New York’s Hudson River Valley  June 11-13, 2010

Depart from New York City and head north through the Hudson River Valley, one of the most picturesque settings of the Northeast.

Pacific Northwest / Seattle Area  August 6-8, 2010

                                                    
Ride north of Seattle, exploring beautiful island coast lines and summer scenes of the rural Skagit Valley, while taking in the vistas of the Cascade Mountains.

Midwest / Southern Wisconsin  October 1-3, 2010

Cycle through the rolling fields of southern Wisconsin and experience the farmland and lake country views.

 

Each of GYGIG’s Rides averages 70 miles per day, with two overnight camping stops to relax and recharge with catered meals and hot showers.  All three routes include an opening ceremony on day 1 and a closing ceremony on day 3 to celebrate the efforts and dedication of every rider and crew member.

The events provide opportunities to overcome physical and emotional challenges within a supportive Ride Community.  By completing the Ride, many participants find physical strength and emotional resolve they never even knew they had.

During the Ride, cyclists will be fully supported by the staff and the enthusiastic all-volunteer crew.  GYGIG provides meals and route support, including fully-stocked rest stops, sweep vehicles, and baggage transport between welcoming overnight camps.

Funds are raised for Get Your Guts in Gear, Inc., the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, the United Ostomy Associations of America, The Colon Club, and Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, Inc.— organizations that are committed to supporting patients, finding a cure, and raising awareness about Crohn's, colitis and ostomies.

Participants are able to draw and support from fellow riders and volunteers, many of whom are touched in some ways by Crohn’s or colitis. Wherever the Rides take you, you’ll always be surrounded by the solidarity of your peers.  Whatever you may need, whether it’s a helping hand or maybe just someone to talk to, it’s only a few pedal strokes away.

There is an $85 registration fee for riders and crew, and each rider needs to raise at least $1,800 per Ride to participate.  For more information, please contact GYGIG at (718) 875-2123 or e-mail us.  Riders and crew 18 and over may register online.  For information concerning riders and crew ages 12-17, please write or call us.

For more information and answers to FAQs, please visit www.IBDride.org.

Get Your Guts in Gear's Ride is Presented by:

Get Your Guts in Gear's Ride is Sponsored by: